“When I came to Ithaca for the [MLK interview process], I was just amazed by the program, the opportunities that you are granted, and the things that you wouldn’t have at any other college,” says Brian Saa. “The second we left campus, I said ‘this is my choice, I’m going to Ithaca College.’”

Brian has never regretted the decision. Now a thriving member of Ithaca’s cinema and photography program, Brian’s MLK scholar experiences have had a big impact on his future filmmaking plans. Though he came to Ithaca with the idea of creating comedy films someday, Brian now finds himself turning the camera on issues of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and other social themes. “Hollywood is filled with these stereotypes, and I’m looking to break them down with my screenwriting in the future,” says Brian, who was further inspired by the work of a prominent Korean filmmaker he met during the scholars’ trip to Seoul.

One of the most valuable aspects of the MLK Scholar Program, says Brian, is the chance to engage in thought-provoking discussions with other scholars from diverse backgrounds and cultures. "Being exposed to so many different people, getting to know each other, and understanding where we’re all coming from has been so important, because being an MLK scholar isn’t about preaching MLK’s legacy to people, it’s really about listening to where people come from and respecting that."